I am in central London with my wife for 4 nights from Monday - to Thursday, staying in Coventry Street, Piccadilly.
We are casual eaters but would like to experience, for example, an old pub meal in a place that is not a tourist trap and are looking for any other suggestions to get a feel for London. I expect that we will end up at the theatre on at least one evening of the four we are in London, but I am looking for other suggestions. Any guides to where to go would be appreciated.
It’s not casual but we loved dining at The Ivy in Covent Garden before a night at the theatre. Ultimate London pre theatre dining experience.
I second The Victoria pub in Paddington.
For pubs, I enjoyed The Victoria near Paddington and The Blackfriar near the Blackfriars tube station. For The Victoria, you can make reservations for the upstairs part of the restaurant, which is what I did.
Also recommend Dishoom and Gunpowder for Indian food.
Another vote for The Ivy. It’s lovely and classy and the food is always delicious.
This doesn’t tie in to “what to eat pre-theatre,” but if you are in central London and want the best fish and chips in town, try Golden Union, at 38 Poland Street, near Oxford Circus. It’s a small family-run place and their fish and chips are really sublime. You can take away, but there is a cute small space to dine in in the back. The jukebox is free. :-)
For a pub meal that is elevated a step or 3 above regular “pub grub,” you might try The Devonshire, at 17 Denman Street, just off Piccadilly Circus. They pour a perfect pint of Guinness, age their own beef, and get in super high quality seafood. Staff are very friendly. They haven’t been open long and were BUSY busy busy at first: I’d consider making a reservation for dinner. This doesn’t qualify as an “old pub,” then - but it’s very, very nice and the publican is a top bloke.
https://www.devonshiresoho.co.uk/
The Lamb and Flag, at 33 Rose Street, is a very old pub with lots of history. It oozes with “ye olde” charm on the inside. I’ve had many a pint here, but never a meal, so I can’t weigh in on the food.
https://www.lambandflagcoventgarden.co.uk/
Assume you are consulting the RS guide book for sights to see? If you tell us more specific interests, we could probably be of better help.
Oh! Theatre! Catching a play at The Globe is an amazing experience, and the company puts on very high quality productions of the classics. It’s great. I also recommend The Donmar Warehouse in Covent Garden for fabulous new productions in an intimate space. This is more serious theatre, usually, not glitzy West End popular entertainment (she said snobbishly ;-) Although they do mount comedies, too. :-)
https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/
If you are anywhere in central London there will be a LOT of tourists. That is unavoidable. But it is completely possible to avoid tourist traps. Have a great time! :-)
Another vote for the Ivy. For modern British I like Great British Restaurant (at Duke's in Mayfair).
Pubs around that area - the Golden Lion in St James' and the Two Chairmen in Westminster are two of my favourites.
You’ve chosen a touristy neighborhood for your accommodation.
If willing to use the tube or at least walk a few blocks:
The Bow Street tavern is a tradtional pub.
https://www.bowstreettavern.com/
Personally I like sitting upstairs at Old Shades on Whitehall.
For years my first pint would be enjoyed at the tiny Red Lion Crown Passage. On one visit enjoyed a lively conversation with a member of Parliament.
Lastly, the Haven Arms in Ealing is pleasant. Total neighborhood feel. 10 minute walk from Ealing Broadway station.
As far as food options central London:
Joy King Lau in Chinatown
Bill’s in St Martins Courtyard
Mercato Mayfair
Dishoom
You are visiting a great metropolis. Plenty of restaurants, cafes and fast food joints. Nandos, 5 Guys pizza, You can also do take aways from Pret Managers.
https://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/londons-best-chain-restaurants-ranked
